By Luke Sumpter

Welcome to the world of cannabis vape pens! Get to know these highly portable and easy-to-use devices on a deeper level below. Learn how they differ from other vapes, the different types, their components, and how to use them.

How Vape Pens Differ From Dry Herb Vaporizers and Bigger Vapes

Innovation and cannabis culture go hand in hand. Long before legalization, underground growers and breeders made pioneering steps in horticulture. Now, with laws easing and social acceptance rising, the same penchant for novelty continues to run through the veins of the blossoming cannabis industry. We see this enthusiasm for invention in every facet of this burgeoning sector, from breeding and growing equipment to vaporizer technology.

Vape pens have emerged rather recently and occupy a niche within the vape space; their extremely portable and minimalist design set them apart from lumbering desktop vapes and even smaller handheld vapes equipped with a range of bells and whistles.

Vape pens strip down the concept of a vaporizer to its bare bones. Most models are composed of little more than a cartridge and a battery. While this simple makeup does away with the luxuries of specific temperature controls, smartphone interfacing, and fancy LED screens, it introduces traits that are much more important to many users: maximum discretion, unmatched portability, and simplicity.

Overall, vape pens differ from other vaporizers in that they’re smaller, lighter, and quicker to heat up. However, they lack precise controls and other advanced features found in larger handheld and desktop devices.

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Types of Vape Pens

Because vape pens are inherently simple, most of them feature core similarities. However, since their advent, many vape pen variations have emerged, including:

  • Disposable vapes: While not the go-to option for the environmentally minded, disposable vape pens are hassle-free and the most practical option when planning to travel light. Simply pick up a product, use it until the cartridge is empty, and dispose of it responsibly.
  • Refillable vapes: These vape pens are slightly more eco-conscious, and can also save users money in the long run. Their removable cartridges allow users to top up their device with dry herbs, concentrates, or liquids (depending on the specific vape in question).
  • Dry herb vape pens: These vape pens are exclusively compatible with dried cannabis flowers. They possess a smaller oven size than traditional vaporizers, and therefore hold less weed at a time. However, they’re great to have on hand while out and about, in case the opportunity to indulge arises.
  • Dab pens: These devices exist on the opposite end of the spectrum to dry herb vape pens. They’re unable to handle flower, but make easy work of much more potent extracts.
  • Dual use pens: With the capacity to house and heat both dry herb and concentrates, dual-use vape pens offer the best of both worlds.
  • Puff pens: These vape pens are activated as the user inhales from the mouthpiece. The flow of air triggers the heating element to activate, which offers a similar experience to toking on a joint.
  • Button-activated: Such devices require the user to press and hold a button while taking a hit to activate the heating element.

Parts of Vape Pens

Despite their simplicity, vape pens require a few key parts in order to function. Different models vary in their components, but many possess the parts listed below:

  • Battery: The powerhouse behind each pen. When charged, this piece of kit provides the necessary energy to carry out vaporization.
  • Button/activation mechanism: Different mechanisms, such as air intake and the manual pressing of a button, cause the heating element to activate in different pens.
  • Heating element: This part generates enough heat to vaporize the desired compounds within cannabis flowers and concentrates, often by way of conduction.
  • Wick: In pens that house liquids, the wick transports the liquid via capillary action to the heating element.
  • Cartridge: This part of a vape pen houses dried flower, concentrates, or liquids. Some are refillable, whereas others are disposable.
  • Mouthpiece: Often attached to the cartridge, these ergonomic end pieces make for comfortable toking.
  • Airflow control: Some vape pens come with additional airflow controls that modulate the harshness of each hit.
  • LED indicator: High-end models possess LED indicators that signal information such as battery life and temperature.
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How to Use Vape Pens

Well, this depends on the specific device you have in your hands. Although many vape pens have minor differences, most of them operate in the same way.

  • Loading Your Vape Pen

If you’re using a disposable vape pen, you can go ahead and skip this step. If you prefer refillable models, you’ll need to open up the chamber by unscrewing one component—typically the mouthpiece or the entire upper section of the pen. From here, load in your dry flower or herb. Liquid vape pens are often filled using small vials that have a pressure-release valve.

  • How to Hit a Vape Pen

The way you hit your vape pen will also depend on the model you’re using. Those models that heat their contents after detecting airflow require the user to do nothing more than inhale. Those that have a button require users to press it once, multiple times, or to hold it down through the duration of the hit. Some vape pens need time to heat up after activation, whereas others are good to go almost instantly.

  • Charging Your Vape Pen

Refillable vapes possess a rechargeable battery. Some vapes simply won’t power up when out of juice, whereas others feature LEDs that will alert you to the status of your battery. Simply plug it in and leave it charging for the optimal amount of time stated in your vape’s instruction manual.

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Why Does Your Vape Pen Taste Burnt?

It seems like you’re doing everything correctly, so why does your vape pen taste burnt? There are several reasons this can happen (and several solutions):

  • Top up your tank: First check to see if you’re simply taking an empty hit. If so, fill up your tank or oven and proceed.
  • Change your coil: Worn-out coils can cause hits to taste burnt. Simply grab yourself a new one and swap out your coil to restore your vape pen to its former glory. If you vape often, you’ll need a fresh coil once every three weeks or so.
  • Adjust your power settings: Most vape pens don’t have adjustable power settings. However, those that do can create a burnt taste when cranked up too high. Simply dial down the intensity and see if that makes a difference.

CBD Vape Pen From RQS

At Royal Queen Seeds, we’ve developed a CBD vape pen that pairs simplicity with the clear-headed effects that cannabidiol provides. Our CBD Vape Pen combines CBD with CBG, another key cannabinoid, alongside several different mixes of terpenes to produce delicious vapor that eases the mind and soothes the body. The simple design features a cap/cartridge and a main body that houses the battery and heating element. Simply mount the cap and toke away!

There are five pre-filled cartridges to choose from. Each one contains CBD, CBG, and the terpene profile of one of our most famous strains, without the THC. Choose from Cookies Gelato, Amnesia Haze, Royal Gorilla, Triple G, and Purple Queen.

How to Turn Off a Vape Pen

Some vape pens feature an automatic shutoff function that powers off the device after users stop taking hits, or by pressing the power button after a set time. Others feature a simple on and off switch, whereas some devices require users to either hold down the power button or press it multiple times in sequence.

Vape Pens: Make Using Cannabis As Easy as Possible

Vape pens are undoubtedly one of the easiest ways to consume cannabis. You don't need to roll a joint, load a bong bowl, or even tinker with the controls on a complex vaporizer. Not only are they efficient, but they fit into small pockets and bags with ease, offer instant hits, and cater to dry flower purists and concentrate enthusiasts alike. If you want to streamline the way you use weed, or make it easier to get elevated on the road, consider adding a vape pen to your arsenal.

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